Colorectal Cancer Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Is this topic for you?

This topic will tell you
about the initial testing, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal
cancer. If you want to learn about colorectal cancer that has
come back or has spread, see the topic
Colorectal Cancer, Metastatic or Recurrent.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer
happens when cells that are not normal grow in your
colon or rectum. These cells grow together and form polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.

This
cancer is also called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is. It is the third most
common cancer in the United States. And it occurs most often in people older
than 50.

As with other cancers, treatment for colorectal cancer works best when the cancer is found early. Screening tests can detect or prevent this cancer, but only about half of people older
than 50 are screened. According to the American Cancer Society, if everyone
were tested, tens of thousands of lives could be saved each year.

What causes colorectal cancer?

Most cases begin as
polyps, which are small growths inside the colon or
rectum.
Colon polyps are very common. Some polyps can turn into cancer. But doctors cannot tell ahead of time which polyps will turn
into cancer. This is why people age 50 and older need regular tests to find out if
they have any polyps and then have them removed. And some people who are
younger than 50 need regular tests if their medical history puts them at
increased risk for colorectal cancer.

What are the symptoms?

Colorectal cancer usually
does not cause symptoms until after it has begun to spread. See your doctor if
you have any of these symptoms:

Pain in your belly

Blood in your
stool or very dark stools

A change in your bowel habits, such as
more frequent stools or a feeling that your bowels are not emptying
completely

How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?

If your doctor
thinks that you may have this cancer, you will need a test, called a
colonoscopy (say "koh-luh-NAW-skuh-pee"), that lets the doctor see the inside of
your entire colon and rectum. During this test, your doctor will remove polyps
or take tissue samples from any areas that don't look normal. The tissue will
be looked at under a microscope to see if it contains cancer.

Sometimes another test, such as a
sigmoidoscopy (say "sig-moy-DAW-skuh-pee"), is used to diagnose colorectal
cancer.

How is it treated?

Finding out that you have cancer can change your life. You may feel like your world has turned upside down and you have lost all control. Talking with family, friends, or a counselor can really help. Ask your doctor about support groups. Or call the American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) or visit its website at www.cancer.org.

How can you screen for colorectal cancer?

Screening tests can find or prevent many cases of colon and rectal cancer. They
look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear. Experts
recommend routine colon cancer testing for everyone age 50 and older who has a
normal risk for colon cancer. Your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent testing if you have a higher risk for colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about when you should be tested.

These are the most common screening tests:

Stool tests that check for signs of cancer:

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

Fecal
immunochemical test (FIT)

Stool DNA test (sDNA)

Sigmoidoscopy. A doctor puts a flexible viewing tube into your
rectum and into the first part of your colon. This lets the doctor see the
lower portion of the intestine, which is where most colon cancers grow. Doctors
can remove polyps during this test also.

Colonoscopy. A doctor
puts a long, flexible viewing tube into your rectum and colon. The tube is
usually linked to a video monitor similar to a TV screen. With this test, the
doctor can see the entire large intestine.

Computed tomographic
colonography (CTC). This test is also called a virtual colonoscopy. A computer
and X-rays make a detailed picture of the colon to help the doctor look for
polyps.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions

Colorectal Cancer - When To Call A Doctor
Because colorectal cancer often does not cause any symptoms, talk with your doctor about screening tests. Screening helps doctors find a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear.

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